NEW YORK — The Buffalo Sabres are heading into their holiday break with fresh optimism after breaking a lengthy losing streak, the longest in the NHL this season. They achieved a decisive 7-1 victory over the New York Islanders on Monday night, marking a significant turnaround after struggling through a 13-game winless stretch (0-10-3).
The timing of the win was critical, providing a much-needed boost heading into their break. The Sabres will not play again until Saturday, when they will welcome the Chicago Blackhawks to their home arena. Following the game, a sense of relief was evident among the players as they prepared to recharge.
Captain Rasmus Dahlin stood out with four assists in the match, setting a record as the highest assist total by a defenseman this season. He acknowledged that while the win was gratifying, it is merely one step in a long journey ahead for the team. “We struggled for a long time, but finally, things went our way,” mentioned Dahlin, who became the first Sabres defenseman to register four assists in a game since February 2008. “Now, we need to build on this success.”
The Sabres last tasted victory on November 23 when they beat San Jose 4-2. The subsequent weeks saw them embroiled in a disheartening streak, losing six one-goal games and getting outscored 53-28 overall. Their most frustrating moment came with a 5-4 defeat to Colorado on December 3, where they let a significant lead slip away, marking Buffalo as the 90th team in NHL history to lose such a game.
Currently, Buffalo is at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, holding just 28 points. Against the Islanders, following a hard-fought 3-1 defeat to Boston, the Sabres showcased a more complete performance, scoring seven goals for the first time this season, and eliciting frustration from the home crowd that expressed their displeasure with boos at UBS Arena.
“It was important for us to score and have a solid all-around game,” said forward Jason Zucker, who netted Buffalo’s third goal. “When you’re on a losing streak, it can easily overwhelm your thoughts, so I commend our guys for keeping focus. It felt great to secure this win before the break.”
Buffalo had started the season with a record of 4-7-1 but managed to win seven out of nine games before the recent slump began. The ongoing struggles have reignited concerns among fans, primarily due to the Sabres’ playoff absence since 2011.
Head coach Lindy Ruff, who made a return to the team last summer, provided steadfast support throughout the team’s challenging month. Having previously coached the Sabres from 1997 to 2013, Ruff has witnessed many ups and downs in his coaching career. He commented positively on his team’s disciplined road performance, stating, “We prevented numerous plays in our defensive zone. It was a determined effort from the players. The bench had an energetic vibe. This win takes a weight off our shoulders.”
Tage Thompson, the Sabres’ leading scorer with 17 goals, reflected on the win, emphasizing the importance of sustained focus and hard work. “Tonight, we committed to doing the right things, shift after shift, and we let whatever happens unfold,” he expressed.
